HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Waynesboro rallies to beat Spring Grove

There aren't many moments like this in the life of a high school student-athlete.

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By Lee Goodwin

Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA

By Lee Goodwin

Posted Apr. 29, 2013 at 10:30 AM

By Lee Goodwin

Posted Apr. 29, 2013 at 10:30 AM

WAYNESBORO — There aren't many moments like this in the life of a high school student-athlete.

Players from both Spring Grove and Waynesboro varsity baseball teams got to witness something very special on Saturday afternoon under beautiful skies at Indian Field. It clearly transcended the game, which when completed, proved to be an exciting one as the Indians scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth in a 7-4 non-league victory.

"I thought it was outstanding," said Waynesboro head coach Greg Chandler. "The meaning of the gaqme for Zach and that look in the eyes of the kids. It wasn't about baseball but about life in general."

Before players even took the field, a victory was won by all in attendance as Marine Sgt. Zachary Stinson threw out the first pitch with the Combined Veterans Color Guard behind him. That was followed by a personalized rendition of The Star Spangled Banner by Waynesboro Area Senior High School junior Claire Martin, who also sang God Bless America following the top of the fifth inning.

During the game, spectators had the opportunity to donate to a very worthy cause that is making possible a new home for Stinson and his family through Homes for Our Troops. HFOT will provide a specially designed home for Stinson and his family at no cost to the family. This is done by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor.

Stinson watched the entire game with his wife Tesa and their daughter. After the game, players from both teams shook his hand and offered their thanks for his service to his country.

"After the game, I sat around for about an hour with my coaches," Chandler said. "We talked to (Stinson) for a little bit. He and his family stayed for the whole game. He didn't just stay for a couple innings or so.

"I don't have words to describe it. There were a lot of people behind the scenes that made it possible. Players from both teams signed balls and gave them to him. It was just a great day for everyone."

The game

He might not have known it at the time, but senior Cole Warrenfeltz made one of the biggest hits in the history of Indian Field.

His three-run double in the bottom of the sixth inning gave Waynesboro a 6-4 lead after the Tribe fell behind 4-2 in the top of the inning.

"That was one of the biggest hits at Indian Field ever," Chandler said. "It was in the moment — a perfect ending for us."

It seems like the Indians play best when their backs are against the wall, and Saturday was no exception.

Ben Weber led off the sixth with a single. Pinch-runner Sawyer Duffey moved to second on a walk to Alex Cline. Following an out, Clay Eberhardt executed a sacrifice bunt to advance Duffey and Cline. With two outs, Justin Freeman walked and Seth Hoffman walked to force in a run.

Page 2 of 2 - That brought up Warrenfeltz, who launched a 2-2 pitch deep into left center field. The ball bounced to the fence and brought home all three runners. Warrenfeltz puncuatred the inning by scoring on a passed ball, and relief pitcher John Barr — who was credited with the win — worked through a little jam in the top of the seventh to close the door on the Rockets.